The federal government has expressed concern over the exclusion of National Certificate in Education (NCE) holders from essential training programs available to graduates of higher institutions. The Minister of State for Youths, Mr. Olwande Wisdom, highlighted this disparity while speaking at the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday.
Wisdom pointed out that while Bachelor’s Degree and Higher National Diploma graduates benefit from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, NCE holders currently lack a similar nationwide training scheme. "The major priority of the ministry is citizenship and training, and we are bringing them back," he stated, emphasizing the need for inclusive training opportunities.
The Minister announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to develop an NYSC-equivalent program specifically for NCE graduates. "We want to set up training programs so that NCE holders can access similar opportunities without having to leave their states," Wisdom explained. This initiative aims to address the gap and provide NCE holders with valuable training and development experiences.
Wisdom acknowledged the role of various organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides in keeping youth engaged and away from social vices. "Social vices have been around for a long time, but organizations like these have helped keep many young people on the right path," he said.
He further assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to including all Nigerian youths in its development projects. "A lot of reforms are ongoing, and we are striving to bring renewed hope and opportunities to both girls and boys across the country," Wisdom added.
The proposed program aims to ensure that NCE holders receive the same level of training and opportunities as their peers from other educational backgrounds, fostering greater inclusivity and support for Nigeria's youth.
